Watch out City slickers - London Zoo plans to turn The Gherkin into a gigantic penguin

The distinctive building, officially known as 30 St Mary Axe and the HQ of Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd, could be turned into a giant bird this summer to promote tourism at the historic zoo in Regent's Park.

“We don’t want anyone to miss our penguins, and they certainly wouldn’t be able to miss this one looming over the capital." said ZSL's comms head Emma Edwards, possibly not realising that April 1st has already been and gone.

“We think ‘The Penguin’ would be a striking addition to the London skyline and serve as a perfect reminder to Londoners and tourists alike to visit ZSL London Zoo and Penguin Beach this summer." she continued.

Whether City users would be happy to be represented by a huge waddling Humboldt penguin remains to be seen. Let's hope those traders, bankers and insurance suits have a sense of humour...


Main image: Copyright ZSL / London Zoo
Gherkin image: Getty